1914 Triumph 3½hp Model D TT Replica

• Tested by C E 'Titch' Allen for The Second Vintage Roadtest Journal in 1974
• Ex-Comerfords owned and campaigned
• Formerly part of the Autokraft Collection and MC Collection (Sweden)
• Present ownership since 2008
• Engine rebuilt in 2010
• Mabon-style clutch fitted
• Used on the Pioneer and Banbury Runs

The first Triumph motorcycle of 1902 used a Belgian Minerva engine, but within a few years the Coventry firm - originally bicycle manufacturers - was building its own power units. The company was soon involved in racing, and the publicity generated by competition success - Jack Marshall won the 1908 Isle of Man TT's single-cylinder class for Triumph - greatly stimulated sales. By the outbreak of the Great War the marque's reputation for quality and reliability was well-established, leading to substantial orders for 'Trusty Triumphs' for British and Allied forces.

The 3½hp model first appeared in 1907. Originally of 453cc, its sidevalve engine was enlarged to 476cc in 1908, and finally to 499cc in 1910. While superseded in size by the 4hp (550cc) model in 1914, the 500cc engine's separate cams left it more tuneable and favoured by sportsmen. Like rival manufacturers, Triumph were keen to exploit their Isle of Man credentials and added a choice of TT Replicas to their range: stripped-down, single-speed, with Roadster and Racer options available.

First registered to a Ralph Shove of Catford in February 1914, 'KT 1329' was tested by C E 'Titch' Allen for The Second Vintage Roadtest Journal (1974) with the trusty Model D duly impressing the VMCC's esteemed founder: "With its inherent simplicity, light weight, economy and extraordinary flexibility, it was a first-rate everyday and touring bike for the athletic sportsman of the day. Docile and viceless, it's ideal for such an event as the annual London to Brighton Run." Indeed, 'KT 1329' belonged to Comerfords for many years, completing many a Pioneer Run while owned by the famous Surrey-based motorcycle dealership. The Triumph has featured in a Vintage motorcycle magazine article from 1957 and the book Great British Bikes by Ward/Caddell, while photographs on file record its use at events over many decades.

The machine once formed part of the Autokraft Collection and was sold by Bonhams at its RAF Museum, Hendon sale in March 1998, passing to one of Europe's most important private museum collections, the MC Collection in Sweden, before its acquisition by the current owner in 2008. In 2010 the Triumph was treated to a documented complete engine rebuild as well as a conversion to a Mabon-style clutch, greatly enhancing everyday usability. During the present ownership, 'KT 1329' has been used on the Pioneer and Banbury Runs. This handsome Veteran motorcycle is offered with Pioneer Certificate (No. 445); a V5C Registration Certificate; history file and related books; and an original drive pulley and parts.
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